Colin Young:
Obituary to Colin Young
Colin joined the Southern Section 15 years ago and became well known due to his engaging character and unusual riding gear; Colin was clearly riding his R80 RT on a budget. His open face helmet had obviously seen better days and was far too big for him. However, Colin overcame this minor issue by wearing a woolly hat under the helmet. Gardening gloves were worn and the outfit was completed by green wellingtons as the carbs of the R 80 leaked so much petrol whenever he came to a halt. He did not have any water proofs or protective clothing.
Colin and his friends were saved from the wrath of Mr Plod by this riding gear on one occasion when Colin was leading a run. Stopped for being way over the speed limit the policeman asked Colin to take his helmet off. He first took off his gardening gloves which caught the policeman’s attention but imagine his face when Colin removed his helmet to reveal his woolly hat. Trying desperately to maintain his composure Mr Plod asked Colin to produce his licence. As the policeman tried to unfold it, it became clear that the licence had probably been in Colin’s back pocket since he passed his test and resembled a piece of parchment held together by threads. On the point of collapsing with laughter he shouted at Colin “that at his age he should know better and to get on his way”. Of course this became the mantra for the weekend when ever Colin stepped out of line, which was pretty often.
Colin became a very active member of the Southern Section and loved to camp, attending events all over the country and became well known by people in many sections. Over the last 5 years Colin had enjoyed several overseas tours, 3 in India including 1 to the Himalayas and a very rigorous off road tour around the Grand Canyon. Despite suffering considerable pain from his hips Colin never let this stop him enjoying his bike trips.
Always happy and optimistic, always positive and with an innocent gentle charm he became much loved by all who knew him. Colin was never happier than when he was surrounded by the ladies of the club and enjoyed their cuddles and chocolate cake with equal pleasure.
Never in a rush and always last to get dressed and on the bike no amount of encouragement or insults would make the slightest difference and those who rode with him came to accept these delays as, well, simply Colin.
Unfortunately in February 2007 Colin’s hips deteriorated very rapidly to the point where he became house bound in a wheel chair. As he lived on his own his close friends within the club rallied round and did his shopping, cleaned the house and kept the garden. As everybody knew Colin would always be at home his house became an unofficial club house. Despite enormous pain from his hips and 3 major operations, to achieve a heart bypass and two hips replacements he never moaned and was always positive although he must have experienced many dark moments. The club became his family and Colin’s up and downs became a focus for many of us. The section united around Colin to the benefit of Colin and the Section. After a year of being immobile Colin was making great progress and having started to drive again had regained his independence. He was about to insure his bikes for the road following weeks of practicing getting on and of them.
He had been through so much, had great plans and was desperate to get back on his bikes so how cruel to be robbed of life at this stage.
Colin had many good friends who trading insults and observations with him but despite the banter no insult was meant and none was ever taken. Colin loved the crack and gave as good as he got. This robust language would have horrified strangers but it disguised the deep affection that we all had for Colin. He had a huge presence within the section and his passing will leave an enormous void.
Dear Colin you will be greatly missed but every time I think of you a smile creeps over my face. You may have been taken away from us but we have many happy memories of riding with you. What more could we ask?
David Williamson
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